To kick off the second annual Spring for Music Festival, the Chamber Singers will perform in a Valentine’s Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14-15 in the Fort Hays State University’s Memorial Union Ballroom.

Members of the community can enjoy a fun night out filled with musical theater love songs, complete with desserts and drinks.

Tickets are $25 per couple (individual tickets sold for $12.50) at the door. Reserve your tickets now at https://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school.

The 27 different acts will showcase a variety of styles within the musical theater genre, featuring songs from classic shows like “West Side Story,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Annie Get Your Gun,” to popular Broadway hits from “Rent,” “Wicked,” “Spamalot,” “Great Comet of 1812,” and much more.

Such a variety has already drawn a number of Hays High students, past and present.

Sophomore Gracie Wente said she’s most looking forward to enjoying the atmosphere with her friends.

“People should definitely come see [the show] to help support their peers in Chamber Singers and have a fun time with great performances,” Wente said.

Alumna Brittani Park said the cabaret is a “stellar date night” and is a fun opportunity to get out and about in Hays.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful and talented students and all the hard work I know they’ve put into it,” Park said. “Oh, and the free dessert.”

Although senior Joji Backman said he usually doesn’t attend choir events, he’s looking forward to soaking up a new experience.

“Not only is it a great way to show support for the school and the students, but it’s also a great place to break the ice with people who you’ve been wanting to know and create new friendships,” Backman said.

Freshman Seth Tripp said the arts are an important part of the school that should be appreciated.

“Everybody needs support for the things they do,” Tripp said. “People should come to the cabaret because it will be so much fun, and you’ll be able to support talented people.”

That encouragement has steadily grown due to the increased number of performances.

Senior Moriah DeBey said she’s enjoyed all of the extra events the Chamber Singers have put on compared to prior years.

“I think the Chamber Singers are getting more opportunities to improve with the greater amount of performances,” DeBey said. “I feel like other students are getting their chance in the spotlight. It’s nice to see more people perform solos for things like this.”

This is senior Sierra Adkin’s second cabaret performance, and she said the independent projects such as this are one of her favorite parts of being in Chamber Singers.

“Musical theater songs tend to resonate with people on a different level,” Adkins said. “It’s pretty great to be able to paint a beautiful picture for someone in the audience while also having the time of my life doing what I love.”

21cleiker@usd489.com